After watching Bodden Town’s opening match of the touranament against Singapore U-23, Auckland City coach Ramon Tribulietx called the CONCACAF club “a different and unexpected team”, an observation Vicelich shares.
“I don’t know if it’s a game plan but that’s their style of play. They, at times, can do some outstanding individual things,” he notes.
“We’ve tried to watch and see what their pattern of play is, but it’s a little unpredictable so you know at times that can be a strength to some sides so we just have to be weary of that.
“We have to focus on how we’re going to play and we want to implement our style into the game and hopefully it’s going to be enough to get a victory or a point.”
While Vicelich is focused on tonight’s match, in the back of his mind is what happens next – which is a potential final showdown against their 2014 OFC Champions League final opponents Amicale FC of Vanuatu.
Amicale saw themselves through with a 2-1 victory over Busaiteen of Bahrain and Vicelich says there’s every chance the Vanuatu side is out to get one over Auckland City should they meet again.
“I’m sure they are. And for them to beat the Bahrainian team, that’s a very good result,” he says.
“If we can squeeze through to the final that would be great and it would be a rematch of that Champions League final so it will be a great final if we can get there.
“The teams have changed since earlier this year, even Auckland City has changed a little, but it will be a tough game. We need at least a point tonight to just secure that position and hopefully we can get it.”
Vicelich adds that the competition has been a welcome addition to the team’s preparations for next month’s FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco.
“Just for us, Auckland City, it’s given us some additional preparation for the World Club champs, but also on the football side it brings teams from all around the world into New Zealand and gives the public a chance to come down and see some teams from round the world.
“That’s exciting because it puts New Zealand on the map in regards to that football side of things.”

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